SAINTS HOST ANNUAL ATHLETIC AWARDS NIGHT

BOSTON, Mass. – The Emmanuel College Athletic Department hosted its Annual Athletic Awards Night and Dessert Reception on Saturday, April 25th, celebrating the Saints' success during the 2014-2015 athletic seasons. Student-athletes, coaches, supportive families and fans filled the gymnasium of Emmanuel's Jean Yawkey Center for the annual athletic recognition night.

Emmanuel's Director of Athletics and Recreation Pam Roecker opened the evening by welcoming everyone and praising the success of the Saints during the 2014-15 campaign. Roecker highlighted the Men's Lacrosse Team's 2nd-consecutive GNAC Championship, which was captured earlier in the day over on Roberto Clemente Field.

Each of Emmanuel's head coaches then took to the stage to recap their sport-specific seasons and to present awards to their team members. The team honors included an Academic Achievement Award, an Unsung Hero, a Coach's Appreciation Award, a Most Improved Player and a Most Valuable Player from each athletic team.  View the complete list of the sport-specific AWARD WINNERS.

At the conclusion of the team awards, Emmanuel's Vice President of Student Affairs Patricia Rissmeyer presented "The President's Cup," an award given annually to each member of the athletic team, who together have accumulated a grade point average higher than that of any other team during the first semester this year. Receiving the honor for the second consecutive year, the 2015 President's Cup went to the Saints Women's Cross Country Team.

The presentation of the Athletic Department's Major Awards then commenced, beginning with the "Freshman of the Year," given annually to the freshman student-athlete who has provided the greatest contribution to the athletic reputation of Emmanuel College.  Roecker presented this award to co-winners: Victoria LaRoche (Women's Soccer) and Abby Alexiades (Softball).

Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Brendan McWilliams then presented the Senior Perseverance Award to a senior student-athlete who has overcome adversity and fought back from physical setbacks to safely return to athletic competition.  This award went to Geoffrey Morrissey, a four-year member of the GNAC Champion Men's Lacrosse Team.

A pair of Senior Athletic Achievement Awards were presented by Associate Athletic Director Andy Yosinoff.  These awards, given annually to a senior athlete who has excelled on the playing field and provided the greatest contribution to the athletic reputation of Emmanuel College, went to Austin Lauzier (Men's Lacrosse) and Ashanti Jackson (Men's Volleyball). 

Assistant Athletic Director Jamahl Jackson presented Christine Durkee (Women's Volleyball) with the Senior Scholar-Athlete Award, given annually to a senior athlete who has excelled in the classroom, while competing in intercollegiate athletics.

Jackson also presented Garrett Charette (Men's Soccer) and Chloe Egan (Cross Country, Track & Field) with Senior Leadership Awards, which are given annually to a senior athlete who has distinguished his or herself by demonstrating the qualities desired to lead successful teams throughout his or her athletic career.

The Senior Unsung Hero Award, an honor given annually to a senior athlete who has exhibited leadership, dedication, and athletic achievement in quiet ways, which may have gone unrecognized throughout his or her career, was presented by Associate Athletic Director Alexis Mastronardi.  There were co-winners of the Senior Unsung Hero Award, including Jake Pickett (Men's Lacrosse) and Madison Altwies (Women's Lacrosse).

Finally, Roecker returned to the stage to present the Senior Sportsmanship Award, which is given annually to the senior athlete who has conducted his or herself in the highest manner on the playing field, including interactions with players, coaches, and officials. This award had co-recipients this year as well: Zach Whitermore (Men's Volleyball) and Justin Byers (Men's Lacrosse).

Byers then remained on stage to present remarks as the "2015 Senior Speaker".  Justin's comments were both heartfelt and inspirational. Byers was extremely well-received by his peers and exited the stage to a standing ovation.